Hurricane Beryl has intensified into the first major storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, prompting widespread alerts across the southeast Caribbean. The storm, currently positioned approximately 720 miles east of Barbados, is expected to escalate into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane as it approaches the Windward Islands by late Sunday or Monday.

Barbados is under a hurricane warning, while neighboring islands including St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada have issued hurricane watches, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Residents in Barbados, particularly in the capital Bridgetown, have been preparing diligently with long lines at gas stations and crowded supermarkets stocking up on essential supplies such as food and water.

Hurricanes categorized as major under the Saffir-Simpson scale are defined by sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour. Beryl, currently packing winds near 75 mph with higher gusts, is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and potentially life-threatening winds and storm surges to the affected areas.

The formation of such a potent storm early in the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically spans from June to November, is exceptionally rare. Only five major hurricanes have been recorded in the Atlantic before the first week of July, making Beryl's trajectory significant and unusual, noted hurricane expert Michael Lowry.

The forecasted intensity of this year's hurricane season, predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to be "extraordinary," is attributed to warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the influence of the La Nina weather phenomenon in the Pacific. Climate change has increasingly amplified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, underscoring the urgent need for heightened preparedness and resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.

As Hurricane Beryl advances towards the Caribbean, authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders and safety guidelines to mitigate potential risks and ensure community safety.

*Published by Voice7 News Portal, focusing on comprehensive coverage of global weather events and climate impacts.*